Jiu jitsu terms for beginners

On the mat

• Roll: live, controlled sparring.
• Tap: patting your partner or the mat to say stop. Your partner lets go right away.
• Drill: practicing a move over and over with a partner who doesn't resist.
• Open mat: free training time with no set lesson.
• OSS: a greeting and sign of respect you'll hear a lot. It can mean hello, thanks or "got it."

Positions

• Guard: you're on your back with your legs between you and your partner. In BJJ, this is a strong spot, not a losing one.
• Closed guard: your legs locked around your partner's waist.
• Mount: sitting on top of your partner's chest or stomach.
• Side control: lying across your partner, chest to chest, from the side.
• Back control: behind your partner with your legs hooked in. Often called "taking the back."

Moves

• Sweep: flipping from the bottom to the top.
• Pass: getting around your partner's legs.
• Shrimp: a hip escape. You'll do it in every warm-up.
• Submission: a joint lock or choke that makes your partner tap.
• Armbar, triangle, rear naked choke: three of the first submissions most people learn.

Gear

• Gi: the jacket, pants and belt. See gi vs. no-gi.
• Rash guard: a tight athletic shirt for no-gi.

Questions

What does 'roll' mean in jiu jitsu?

Live, controlled sparring with a partner.

What does OSS mean in BJJ?

A greeting and sign of respect. It can mean hello, thanks or 'got it.'

What is guard in BJJ?

A position on your back with your legs between you and your partner. It's a strong spot in jiu jitsu.